Ahead of Labor Day, clean energy jobs steam ahead in America

Date

29 August 2013

NEW YORK: America saw more than 38,600 new clean energy and clean transportation jobs announced in the second quarter of the year, with California, Hawaii and Maryland the top three states for jobs, according to a survey of new clean energy projects.

Just in time for Labor Day, the survey, compiled by Environmental Entrepreneurs, says 58 clean energy and transportation projects were announced in the second quarter of 2013, representing over 38,900 jobs in sectors ranging from solar and wind to building efficiency upgrades. Solar energy projects accounted for the most jobs, with 10,400 announced and growth across America.

The study finds that California is dominating America’s clean energy growth with 12 projects, representing 9,169 jobs. Two new-comers to the top five are Hawaii in second place and Maryland in third, owing to increased clean energy project investment in the states.

The complete top ten states, with total clean energy jobs announced in 2013’s second quarter are:

California – 9,169

Hawaii – 5,000

Maryland – 4,400

Illinois – 3,400

Oregon – 3,067

Kansas – 2,758

Missouri – 2,750

Texas – 2,000

Alaska – 612

Nevada – 580

Figures are a slight increase on the comparative period for last year, when a total of 37,400 jobs were announced.

Judith Albert, Executive Director, Environmental Entrepreneurs, said in a statement: "With Labor Day upon us and the country focused on jobs and the economy, clean energy and clean transportation projects continue to create jobs and drive economic growth from one end of the country to the other.”

She added: “Clean energy jobs are alive, well and growing. Smart policies like renewable energy standards at the state level, coupled with federal policies like President Obama's climate change initiative, promise to keep that growth going."

Authors of the study also mentioned that America joined Germany, Italy and China in passing the 10 gigawatt threshold for installed solar power – enough to power 2 million homes.

Amy Davidsen, US Executive Director, The Climate Group, said: "The clean energy sector continues to be a significant source of job growth across the country from California to Kansas and Missouri. The growth is a testament to the job-creation potential of clean energy policies at the sub-national level, which are critical to the country's overall response to climate change."